Wes Bunch

GATE CITY — Two brothers convicted of beating a Southwest Virginia man during an argument over a broken moped were sentenced to time served during an appearance Monday in Scott County Circuit Court.

Marvin Maurice Hale, 27, and his brother, Ronnie Lee Hale, 23, both of Castlewood, had been incarcerated in the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Duffield since their arrests on July 4.

Scott County Circuit Court Judge John Kilgore sentenced the brothers to time served during Monday’s hearing and ordered them to pay $10,000 in restitution to cover the costs of medical bills and broken furniture for the victim of the assault.

The two pleaded guilty earlier this year to charges of unlawful wounding that stemmed from a July 3 altercation that took place at the Dungannon home of Christopher Burton, no age given.

Burton was charged with misdemeanor assault for his role in the fight, which was supposedly sparked when an argument got out of hand over who was responsible for breaking a moped.

At one point during the evening, words were exchanged between the men. Authorities said at the time that Ronnie Lee Hale shoved Burton’s wife before he and his brother were asked to leave the residence.

The brothers reportedly came back to the home a short time later to collect belongings they had there, but authorities said a fight broke out between them and Burton.

Although Burton was severely beaten in the altercation and had to be transported to an area hospital for treatment, authorities said he too was charged in the incident because of the role he had in the physical altercation.

Burton also took the stand during Monday’s sentencing hearing to speak on behalf of both Maurice and Ronnie Hale, telling the court that he considered one of them like a brother to him and asking for leniency.

The brothers had been incarcerated since turning themselves in to Scott County authorities the day after the fight. They were released from custody following their court appearance.